Canterbury prides itself as one of the most accessible regions in New Zealand. Home to the second largest city in the country, Christchurch, the region has everything you need for an authentic Kiwi experience.

Christchurch is the gateway to the Canterbury region and the spectacular experiences you will have within the South Island of New Zealand. Explore the range of activities and attractions we have on offer.

Exploring Canterbury's History & Heritage

If you love to discover gems and tales of old, there's plenty of history and heritage to soak up in Canterbury.

Christchurch has its fair share of places to check out legends and artefacts from days gone by, and our regional towns proudly display their past for visitors to take a step back in time.

Canterbury Museum

Through the doors of a beautiful historic building in the centre of Christchurch you'll find the Canterbury Museum. Home to outstanding Māori exhibits, a fascinating Antarctic collection, a Christchurch Victorian Street, and interactive learning for children in Discovery. For an iconic Kiwi story, don't miss Fred and Myrtle's Paua Shell House.

Local museums in Canterbury's regional towns also provide fascinating looks into the unique early life and development of each district, and locals love to tell yarns of a bygone era to visitors.

South Canterbury

South Canterbury is home to some of the country's greatest concentrations of remaining Māori rock art sites. At Te Ana Māori Rock Art Centre, you'll gain an insight into the area's rich cultural heritage and mythology, and journey through time and spiritual worlds. Check out some of the region's Māori rock art first-hand with a guided tour to some of the natural art galleries hidden within ancient limestone caves and rock shelves.

Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre

Kiwis are justifiably proud of our very own Sir Edmund Hillary – the first man to climb Mount Everest. The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre at Mount Cook Village is a tribute to this great explorer, ambassador and humanitarian. It's also a showcase of the history and splendour of the Aoraki / Mount Cook Mackenzie region. Mount Cook Magic, is definitely worth viewing. This unique 3D cinematic experience will take you soaring high across the Southern Alps, scaling some of New Zealand's highest peaks, and skiing the Tasman Glacier.

Aviation history

If you're into the history of things that fly, you're well catered for in Canterbury. In the Christchurch suburb of Wigram, the Air Force Museum of New Zealand brings the rich history of New Zealand military aviation to life. Here you'll find one of the world's leading military aviation collections – with literally millions of items to commemorate, inspire and enjoy.

Transport history

If land travel is more your thing, at Ferrymead Heritage Park you can learn about Christchurch's affinity with trams, and ride on one of several electric trams, or a stream train. Take a journey into Christchurch life in the early 1900s at the park's Edwardian township, and visit speciality museums including the Hall of Wheels.

Yaldhurst Museum, just south of Christchurch, provides a real treat for classic car and road transport enthusiasts, including an impressive collection of horse drawn vehicles.